Panaji: Goa celebrated Holi in a much subdued way, though several people ushered in the festival of colours painting the streets across the cities and villages.
State chief minister Pramod Sawant did not play Holi for the entire day, though he remained busy in his constituency campaigning for his candidates who are contesting March 22 Zilla Panchayat election.
The main celebration was held at Panaji organised by Panaji Shigmotsav Samiti at historic Azad Maidan which was attended by hundreds of people.
Considering the coronavirus spread threat, the organizers had done away with the closed pandal for the celebration, allowing the revelers to play Holi in an open ground.
Goa chief minister Pramod Sawant who is busy campaigning for party candidates of upcoming Zilla Panchayat elections, scheduled on March 22, was not seen playing Holi.
“The chief minister did not play Holi. He will visit temple in Sal village in North Goa where traditional Shigmo festivities are going on,” an official from chief minister’s office said.
Meanwhile, traditional Holi celebration was also held at Margao town. Fatorda MLA and Goa Forward Party chief Vijai Sardesai led the procession at Lord Damodar Temple.
“There are certain apprehensions due to Coronavirus issue. But we appeal the people to play safe Holi,” Sardesai said talking to reporters in Margao.
Goa does not have a single case of patient who is quarantined for Coronavirus since Monday as two foreign nationals who were kept in isolation have tested negative.
